After the arthroscope revealed arthritis, my surgeon wanted to do a partial knee replacement. I agreed to the surgery because I was in my mid forties like you. Long story, it didn't work and I ended up with a full replacement that did well for about five years when the "tracking devise" in the patella failed. I had a revision on the same leg in April of 09. He also replaced the post and I have had no further trouble.. I had a total replacement of my right knee in 2005 and have had no trouble with it. I also contracted MRSA twice and had to be on vancomycin but did well. At the total replacement of the left one, I was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome-a connective tissue disorder I have hypermobile joints and am losing the elasticity of my skin. It also effects the healing process. Had I known what I know now, long story short, just do a total replacement. I do not feel that they have perfected the partial.

I am sorry, I just reread your post. I did have the exact sensasion that you are describing with your knee. Sorry I ranted. I did not mean to discourage you. I hope that all goes well for you. I may just be the one out of a million where things did not quite go according to plan.

I wish you the best. Feel free to contact me if I can help in anyway.

Melinda

have had both knees full replacement and even after 1 year on 1 still have some numbness 3 moths on other still tight but each gets better all time no major problems pain is better